| Toshiba Corp
is moving ahead with development work on passive type direct methanol fuel
cells (DMFCs) in anticipation of an impending change in regulation covering
DMFC fuel cartridges, seen to drive growth in demand for DMFCs used in
mobile electronics devices.
Fuel cells do not require charging
as compared to lithium ion batteries, and by refuelling, are capable of
continuous operations.
Toshiba's product candidate delivers
a 20-hour operating time at an output of 100 mW, equivalent to volumetric
energy density of 270 W/hour/litre.
The passive type DMFCs, with a 7.4
mL volume, are made more compact, and take minimal time to refuel.
Toshiba is considering keeping the
DMFC volume at 6.4 mL with a 10-hour service time to optimize compactness
and convenience.

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